Great gifts for home fitness

Home Fitness Gift GuideDoes your holiday shopping list include a fitness enthusiast who prefers to work out in solitude at home? Are you stressing out because you have no clue what to buy? Fret not! Take advantage of our home fitness gift guide.

Yurbuds sport earphones

If your giftee loves pumping up the volume while getting in her sunrise workout, but the family would prefer a less thumping way to start their morning, the Yurbuds are the perfect fitness gift. These earphones are specifically geared for the female fitness fan, featuring a personalized fit for women's ears, TwistLock Technology (these buds never fall out), ambient noise protection and sweat resistance.  (YurBuds, $30)

Gaiam cedar shoe rack

Does the fitness chick on your gift list have more running shoes than high heels? Surprise her with a cedar shoe rack that accommodates multiple pairs of fitness shoes while delivering a fresh cedar smell. You can find other fitness room accessories at HomeGoods stores. (Gaiam, $40)

Empower 3-in-1 kettlebell

Unless your fitness fanatic has a massive fitness room at home, she'll need functional space-efficient fitness gear. The Empower 3-in-1 Kettlebell delivers three weight options but only occupies the space of a single kettlebell. Made with a woman in mind, this adjustable kettlebell can be used at 5, 8 or 12 pounds. It also comes with a Swing Yourself Fit workout DVD that features three fat-blasting workouts. You can find other fitness gadgets at a discount at your local T.J.Maxx store. (Empower Fitness, $40)

Avia 699 studio shoe

Even though your home fitness fan may work at home in her fluffy slippers, house shoes won't give her the support she needs while working out. Surprise her with Avia's studio shoe, which is lightweight, supportive and perfect for low- or high-impact exercise. These shoes will let her run the stairs, power through her bootcamp workout in the living room and keep her light on her feet while following a kickboxing DVD. Find Avia shoes at Avia.com or buy them at a discount at select T.J.Maxx or Marshalls stores. (Avia, $80)

Dr. Lisa Yoga Blast DVD

What home fitness program would be complete without power yoga workouts? This new fitness DVD release from Dr. Lisa Masterson, of the Emmy-winning TV show The Doctors, and fitness expert Elise Joan features three 20-minute yoga fusion workouts featuring dance moves, strength exercises and invigorating stretches. Each 20-minute session can easily fit into a busy schedule and can be done together for an hour-long workout. Check your local T.J.Maxx store for bargain fitness DVDs too. (Barnes & Noble, $15)

iHealth digital scale

Since the home fitness chick doesn't have access to all the fancy weight and bodyfat gadgets at the gym, you can gift her with her very own fancy gadget for home use. The iHealth Digital Scale, which works with the iHealth Digital Scale app (free at the App Store), records daily weight on the user's mobile device, saves and tracks weight readings, and lets users set target goals with the Milestone feature. Your exercise enthusiast can even share her — and her family's — information with healthcare providers or fitness buddies.  (Amazon, $74)

Booty Slide

The Booty Slide package is the ultimate fitness system for women who want great glutes (what woman doesn't, right?). Created by celeb trainer Rebecca Kordecki, the Booty Slide kit comes with high-performance booties that slide on slick surfaces, hand and knee slide pads, four rapid-result workout DVDs and a money-back guarantee. Though this workout targets the glutes, it also meets your legs, core and cardio needs. The Booty Slide is not only a space-efficient workout tool, it is easy to tote so you can work out anywhere. The Booty Slide package can be found at KMart, WalMart, Bed Bath & Beyond and online at BootySlide.com. (BootySlide, $20)

More health and fitness gifts

Great gifts for home fitness
Yoga gifts to get in the Om
The fitness fashionista gift guide

Peanut butter starfish cake

Kick Off Summer With A Sea-Inspired Cake!Since we don't really advise eating an actual starfish, why not eat one that tastes like fluffy vanilla cake and creamy peanut butter frosting? This cute cake is a great alternative to a boring regular birthday cake for any of your family or friend's summer birthdays!

If you're worried this will be difficult, stop right now! We made things easier by using boxed cake mix and an aluminum nonstick starfish cake pan. The decadent peanut butter frosting paired with the pretty pearl add-ons make this cake as pretty as it is incredibly delicious!

Peanut butter starfish cake recipeIngredients:

For the cake:

1 box fluffy vanilla cake mixPam nonstick cooking spray3 eggs1 cup water1/2 cup oil (we used vegetable)

For the frosting:

1 stick butter, soft1 cup creamy peanut butter3 tablespoons cream2 cups powdered sugarPearl cupcake add-onsWhite cupcake icingButtercup yellow icingDirections:1Mix cake mix & bake

Mix the cake mix, eggs, water and oil together in a large mixing bowl.

Pour into a greased starfish cake pan (we used this one) and bake at 325 degrees F for about 32-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Remove from cake pan and place on a wire cooling rack to cool completely (can take up to an hour).

2Make frosting & ice

To make the frosting, mix the peanut butter and butter together. Add sugar, one cup at a time, beating with an electric mixer after each addition. Gradually stir in the cream.

Once frosting is made, carefully frost the cooled starfish with a flat knife.

3Decorate with peanuts

Once frosted, add peanuts to the legs (to make the tentacles).

We used white icing gel and cupcake pearls to create the middle point of the starfish.

To give the starfish some texture, chop up some additional peanuts and sprinkle them on the rest of the cake. Once decorated, serve and enjoy!

More fun cake recipes

Strawberry pound cake skewer recipe
St. Patrick's Day layered cake in a jar
4th of July cake pop recipe

5 Bedroom tips for better sleep

Create A Cozy
Sleep HavenHectic schedules, stress and a growing to-do list can keep you tossing and turning at night. But a sound sleep is more than a luxury; it’s important to help re-energize and cope with day-to-day challenges. Try these simple changes to make your bedroom a haven for rest and relaxation.

Sleep serenity

How do you turn your brain off after a crazy, demanding day? You need to wind down to get a good night's rest. Turning your bedroom into a serene, calming environment will help you relax and let go of the day's worries. You want to set the scene for peace and harmony.

Color therapy calms frazzled nerves

Paint in blues, grays or purples. Why do fast-food restaurants blast music, flood with fluorescent lights and decorate with bright red, orange and green? To keep customers moving, eating fast and making a quick exit. Set the mood for relaxation with a wall color that makes you feel tranquil, such as a soft blue-gray or calming purple or green; colours that remind us of nature are comforting. While bright yellow walls sound happy and appealing, they can keep your brain humming as though it's daybreak 24/7.

Aromatherapy works for dream time

Scent your room with lavender. Known for its soothing scent and medicinal properties in aromatherapy, lavender can help induce relaxation and sleep. Try a lavender spray on your pillowcases just before bed or buy potted lavender plants for a decorative window sill. Not only are live plants nurturing, but you can try some deep-breathing before snooze time and take in the scent.

No TV in the bedroom

Yes, Conan is a riot to watch, but having a flat-screen in your bedroom does nothing for bringing on downtime for your brain. On the contrary, TV keeps you wound and stimulated. The bedroom needs to be associated with comfort and rest. Instead, listen to some soothing, tranquil music, sip herbal tea or light a candle for a few minutes and meditate. A calming bedtime routine will also help, especially in a room that supports these quiet activities.

Clean and orderly beats stress

Purge and de-clutter. How can you nod off when there's a stack of magazines and papers staring back at you from the bedside table and laundry piled on the wing chair? A tidy, organized room helps keep you feeling calm and in control. Make time to inventory your bedroom and purge unnecessary items such as knickknacks, dated magazines or clothes that no longer fit. Display a few favorite possessions that evoke happy memories and nix the all the clutter.

Turn down the heat for better rest

For the best sleep, there needs to be a fractional temperature difference between our body and our brain – a warm body and a cool head. Keep the room cool, and cozy up under a warm duvet. Splurge on some silk sheets to heighten the comfort factor. Now your bedroom could just become your favorite spot in the house.

More ways to reap sleep

7 Tips for a better night's sleep
The menopause and insomnia link
Foods that help you sleep better

10 Fitness gadgets you need for the New Year

Fitness Gear For The New YearWe all make New Year fitness resolutions with great intentions, but it’s tough to keep resolutions fresh, especially if you’re committing to a tougher – or different – fitness regime. So whether your exercise objective is great or small, SheKnows is here to give you the best fitness gadgets that will help you conquer your New Year’s health goals -- no muss, no fuss! Rejuvenation Foot & Body Relaxation Roller and Massage Balls

(rejuvenationrehab.com, $15)

We've all been there, avoiding consecutive-day workouts due to soreness. Say goodbye to excuses with Rejuvenation's Foot and Body Relaxation Roller and Massage Balls, which provide instant relief. Designed to provide effective massage therapy for your entire body, especially your feet, this fun roller activates pressure points to relieve tension, increase circulation and relax muscles. Use this foot and body therapy roller to help soothe sore, tired feet and revitalize your body through stress relief and muscle relaxation.

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InTune Earphones

(fuseplusyou.com, $25)

Tunes help you get moving and stay motivated so customize your music listening experience to spice up your winter workouts and keep you on track with InTune Earphones from fuse. Each pair of headphones are designed to play fully optimized music from one of four different genres, allowing you to listen to a particular type of music the way it was meant to be heard. Does turning up the bass really turn up your fitness routine? Try the rap/hip-hop InTune. Do guitar solos really get you pumped up during your workout? Plug in the rock/blues/country InTune. If you have eclectic taste, no matter what pair you grab, InTune headphones will still heighten the quality of sound for any genre you happen to be listening to that day.

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Nike BOOM App

(iTunes, free)

Talk about healthy pressure! Nike BOOM's 2.1 app just introduced its Team LIVESTRONG integration, which broadcasts your LIVESTRONG fundraising site to Facebook while you train, track donation progress and thank your supporters for helping fight against cancer. So light a fire under your running sneaks – fitness never felt so fulfilling.

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New Balance Cardio Comfort 813

(newbalance.com, $80)

Pounding the treadmill or the pavement can be a big pain in the heel. That's why we love these lightweight, low-profile trainers that are specifically designed to relive pressure on the feet during repetitive cardiovascular workouts. The New Balance Cardio Comfort 813 acts as a massage therapist for feet and minimizes the pressure points on the foot, allowing you to stay on equipment for longer periods and make the most of your workout.

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Reebok InColor Pedometer

(reebok.com, $40)

Who doesn't love a cheering squad? Reebok's InColor Pedometer boasts innovative Pace Assist Technology that changes LED colors to visually keep you on your pace goal. Track your speed, distance, calories and step tracking -- and don't forget you can customize your color display. Clip on and keep moving!

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Yonanas

(prd_id=845524892866204&FOLDER<>folder_id=2534374757586398&searchTerm=yonanas&bmUID=1322743952014" target="_blank">kohls.com, $65)

Sure you want to stay on track, but who doesn't deserve a delicious treat after all that hard work? Trick your taste buds with Yonanas, a frozen treat maker that turns fruit into healthy soft-serve "ice cream." The chute accepts berries, sliced mangos or cantaloupe, and along with a frozen banana, blends your ingredients into a silky-smooth confection that's low-cal to boot.

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Nesco Professional Food & Jerky Dehydrator

(sears.com, $70)

Craving some Crispers? Lusting for some Lays? Give into the urge while staying on track by dehydrating crispy new life into carrots, kale, beets and more in mere hours, not days! This five-tray powerhouse features an adjustable thermostat ranging from 95 to 160 degrees and a Converga-Flow drying system that ensures even drying, so you won't need to rotate trays. Top "chips" with paprika, cumin or curry powder and dig in – sans guilt.

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Active.com

(active.com, free)

Nothing gets me moving faster than knowing I've challenged myself with a 10K in just a few weeks. Quickly I'm incredibly motivated to pound the pavement with interval training. Whether you're a runner, cyclist, tennis or basketball player, log on find races and games near you.

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RunKeeper App

(itunes.apple.com, free)

We all like a visual cue of our progress, and while those jeans might be one way to measure your fitness headway, RunKeeper's technology makes no mistake in accurately tracking your progress in real time, as you go about your workout. You can see the exact path you traveled on a map, both on the device and on the website, which you can share with friends -- think of it as FourSquare for the healthy set! You can also get insight while you are doing your activities on whether you are ahead/behind your target pace, or get coached through an interval workout.

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Count Me Healthy Jewelry

(countmehealthyjewelry.com, $88)

Created to serve as a "journal for your wrist" and a stylish, constant reminder of your goals, Count Me Healthy jewelry helps you count daily goals by moving the beads from one side of the bracelet to the other. Want to drink more water? Time hours between mealtimes? Keep tabs on your "points" system diet plan? Stay on-trend while getting on track!

More fitness ideas for the New Year

The top 20 fitness trends for 2012
Full-body fitness trends for the New Year
Fitness find: Kick off 2012 with the Bar Method

The tasty 7-day cleanse

It's good to give up the bad!

Send out a warning. It's time to cleanse and rid your body of unhealthy toxins... caffeine included!

Before you stomp your feet in frustration that "all the good stuff" is off the list, remind yourself how good your body will feel (from head to toe) after you complete this seven-day cleanse.

Here are some delicious ways to get started

A cleanse, which can be a three-day, five-day, seven-day or even a month-long cleanse, is a healthy way to get your body back on track. It is exactly what you might think... a way to "cleanse" your body and get rid of the nasty toxins in your system. While some people opt to do a cleanse to lose weight, others do it just to feel better and help get their body and mind on the same page, so to speak, and de-stress while they cleanse.

Starting a cleanse means giving up some favorites for the duration of your cleanse. You might even issue a warning to your family and co-workers that for the first few days, they might want to beware. For example, if you are normally a coffee or soda drinker, giving up caffeine takes a few days to get used to, and those around you might feel like they are sticking their head inside a hungry lion's cage! Then there is that glass of wine you enjoy at night, which is also off the list for the duration of your cleanse. The cheese and chocolate you enjoy WITH your wine? Also not allowed on a cleanse, as no sweets and no dairy are allowed. Also, no soy milk and no packaged foods or sodas.

Beverages that will work

Heat freshly squeezed lemon juice in warm water and drink it each morning. The benefits of warm lemon water are not just for the common cold! In fact, lemons have been proven to be a natural solution to weight loss and for digestion issues, cleansing your body from your skin to your liver! If you have a daily habit of drinking coffee, the warm lemon water will help trick your brain, while adding health benefits in the process!

You can enjoy herbal or green teas as long as they are caffeine free. When it comes to milks, keep in mind that dairy is a no-no for your seven-day cleanse. Almond milk, rice milk, hemp milk and coconut milk are acceptable, just not canned coconut milk. Be sure you drink lots of water during your cleanse, and it is perfectly fine to add slices of oranges, limes and lemon to your water. You can even freeze chunks of watermelon or other fruits to "flavor" your water.

Load up on your favorite fruits

Fresh or frozen fruits are allowed on a cleanse, and if you have a juicer, you might just find how much you enjoy the natural juice that you can make! Throw an apple, pear, peach and a couple of carrots into your juicer and sit back and sip the goodness. Eat lots of blueberries and raspberries to get the fiber and natural vitamins you need.

Enjoy your favorite vegetables

Spinach is one of the best items you can eat, period. The benefits from spinach just do not stop! Spinach is one of the healthiest foods available to us that helps fight cancer and other diseases. Make a salad of fresh spinach and cubed watermelon or strawberries. The watermelon acts as a dressing, and, if you use strawberries, just squeeze some lime juice over the top. Add almonds, cashews, walnuts or sesame, sunflower or pumpkin seeds and fresh broccoli. Eat broccoli throughout your cleanse week and load up on beets and dark leafy greens like kale, collard greens and more spinach!

Stash nuts for protein

Almonds, cashews and walnuts are very good for snacking, and they are excellent sources of protein. Remember to pack small sandwich bags of these nuts to snack on during the day. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds are also great foods to keep on hand for snacks, salad toppers and for nibbling.

Best nuts for your health >> Grains that make the cut

Brown or wild rice is OK, just be sure you do not add any butter to the cooking process. Oatmeal is also allowed. Add fresh fruit as a sweetener not cream and sugar. Or add a local honey.

Beans, beans, beans

Pinto beans, lentils and black-eyed peas are great options for your seven-day cleanse. Try to get the dried variety and cook them overnight in your slow cooker with an onion and garlic and water. If you buy canned beans, make sure you buy beans that were canned in water, not oil. It is always a good idea to rinse and drain beans, anyway, especially during your cleanse.

What about animal protein?

Animal protein is debatable to many who cleanse. If you do choose to eat animal protein, it is highly recommended that you only use organic, such as organic chicken, organic turkey, organic salmon, or fresh, organic fish. When in doubt, leave it out!

Going vegan — could your family do it? >>Yogurt

Another cleanse-debatable food is yogurt. As long as you are buying live yogurt, it is going to help aid your digestive tract during your cleanse and is an extremely healthy option. Cabot Greek, Greek-style lowfat yogurt contains 22 grams of protein in a 1 cup serving. Drizzle some local honey, add a handful of your favorite fruit, and this is a perfect meal and/or snack!

Giving up the alcohol and coffee is tough, but giving up the candy, soft drinks, salt, eggs, milk and processed meat products truly feels rewarding. Your mind might feel sharper, and your body will thank you for treating it so well!

More cleanse and detox information

When a detox diet is necessary
Juice cleanses and other diets
Foods and herbs that cleanse

Brine turkey The scoop on brining your Thanksgiving bird

Is Brining Turkey
A Good Idea?If you're trying to decide whether you should brine your turkey -- or wondering what it even means to brine a turkey -- keep reading! We're breaking down the ins and outs of brining your Thanksgiving bird.

One way to prepare the center of your Thanksgiving meal is to brine the turkey. Seasoned kitchen masters know all about the brining process, but for those of us who aren't so knowledgeable, we've gathered up some info to help you decide whether a brined turkey is the way to go on Thanksgiving.

What is brine turkey?

Brining is one way to prepare meat for cooking. The brining process involves marinating meat for several hours in a solution that contains a rather large amount of salt. Brine turkey is simply a turkey prepared in this manner.

Turkey brine mix

Brine can be prepared in many ways. A simple way to make turkey brine is to use one cup each of salt and brown sugar for each gallon of water. However, if you want to get a little fancier, Fabulous Foods has three great turkey brine recipes, including the following American brine mix recipe:

2 cups chicken broth1/2 cup salt3 tablespoons powdered thyme3 sprigs rosemary2 tablespoons sage2 tablespoons garlic powder2 tablespoons brown sugar2 tablespoons paprika

Pros and cons of making brine turkey

Everyone has their own preferences. While some swear by brining turkey, others prefer not to do it. The New York Times ran an opinion piece, offering both sides of the turkey, er, coin.

Pros of brining a turkey

You'll avoid overcooking your turkey if you brine itBrining prevents dry meatA good brine mix adds great flavor to the turkey

Cons of brining a turkey

Brining makes it more difficult to get a crisp skin because the skin also holds moistureThe juice is often too salty to use in gravyThe texture of the turkey breast meat is more similar to that of deli meat than a real Thanksgiving birdLearn how to brine turkey from start to finish >>

So, there you have it! If you have any good tips for brine turkey, share them in the comments section below.

Helpful info on brine turkey

Fabulous Foods: How to brine a turkey
Chef Mom: How to brine a turkey
3 Killer turkey brines

Premature twins Katy and Paige's story

Katy And Paige: Premie TwinsLori never thought she would conceive, so she was thrilled when she became pregnant with not only one child, but two. Despite an 80 percent chance of losing the twins, Katy and Paige were born premature at 28 weeks gestation.

Katy was born at 1 pound, 15 ounces. Two weeks after her birth, Doctors inserted a titanium clip to close the valve in her heart. She also suffered from a brain bleed and faced cerebral palsy, which fortunately resolved on its own. It took over a year for Katy to recover.

Paige was the smaller of the two, born at 1 pound, 4 ounces. She had several infections during her stay at Renown Children's Hospital, which included five ear surgeries. Paige did not initially have the stamina to complete her feeds, and couldn't gain the weight she needed. Slowly and steadily, however, the twins began to conquer their early set backs.

Though identical in appearance, these 7-year-old sisters could not be more different in personality. Katy is a nurturer and known to give therapeutic hugs when a person is upset, while Paige's matter-of-fact personality expresses, "Aren't you over this yet?"?

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Buffalo blue cheese deviled eggs

Kicked Up
Deviled Eggs!Give those classic deviled eggs a kick by adding blue cheese and Buffalo wing sauce! They're quick and easy to prepare and will disappear in a flash!

These Buffalo blue cheese deviled eggs can be made a day in advance, just cover them carefully with plastic wrap and place them in a safe place in the fridge. Consider doubling or quadrupling this recipe if making for a party or group!

Buffalo blue cheese deviled egg recipe

Yields 12 deviled eggs

Ingredients:6 hard-boiled eggs, neatly peeled and cut in half lengthwise, whites and yolks separated and reserved1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese2 tablespoons mayonnaise1 tablespoon fresh parsley, very finely diced1/2 teaspoon green onion, very finely diced (optional)3 teaspoons Buffalo sauce, such as FRANK'S RedHot Wing sauce1/8 teaspoon celery seedAdditional diced parsley and very finely diced fresh celery for garnishDirections:

In a medium bowl, with a fork, smash together very well the reserved yolks, blue cheese, mayonnaise, one tablespoon fresh parsley, green onion (if using), Buffalo wing sauce and celery seedOnce totally combined, neatly spoon or pipe into reserved egg white halves.Garnish with chopped parsley and celery. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

More deviled egg recipes

Deviled eggs for one
Jalapeño deviled eggs
Deviled eggs with a twist

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Chorizo ragu over creamy polenta

A Rich, Hearty DinnerThis spicy ragu is balanced perfectly by a rich polenta to create the ultimate comfort food during cold winter months.

Chorizo ragu over creamy polenta recipe

Serves 4

Tip: For a vegetarian version of this dish, try using soy chorizo!Ingredients:2 cups water1/2 cup polenta2 tablespoons butter1/4 cup heavy cream1 tablespoon olive oil1/2 cup onions, diced1 cup button mushrooms, sliced1 clove garlic, minced12 ounces chorizo, casing removed1/2 cup marinara sauceSalt and pepper to tasteDirections:

To prepare the polenta, bring water to a boil and then whisk in the polenta. Turn the heat to low and add the butter. Allow the polenta to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream (more can be added to reach the desired consistency).In a Dutch oven or large skillet, add the chorizo and break apart using a spatula. Over low heat, render the fat and then turn up the heat to cook and slightly brown the chorizo. Drain off the excess fat and set aside.In the same pot, heat the olive oil. Over medium heat, saute the onions, mushrooms and garlic, tossing frequently to avoid burning the garlic. Add the chorizo. Toss the ingredients together and add the marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over the polenta.

More chorizo recipes

Meatballs with chorizo and cheese
Chorizo and potato soft tacos with homemade salsa
Chorizo pizza with arugula and caramelized onions

Dark chocolate brownies with orange cream cheese frosting

Fudgy dark chocolate chunk brownies blend with tangy orange infused cream cheese frosting to create a decadent dessert. Adorn them with a few sprinkles and you’ll have a festive sweet treat for any upcoming holiday get together. For the brownies

Ingredients:

12 tablespoons unsalted butter1 1/2 cups granulated sugar2/3 cup dark cocoa powder3 large eggs1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract1 cup all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon kosher salt1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.Set a medium sized saucepan over medium heat and warm the butter until melted; add the granulated sugar and stir well; remove pan from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder.In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and vanilla; pour the chocolate mixture into the bowl and whisk in with the eggs until well combined. Gently stir in the flour and salt; do not beat or over mix. Fold in chocolate chips.Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth top with an offset spatula.Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes. Take care not to over bake. Cool completely.Frost with orange cream cheese frosting and cut into squares.

For the frosting

Ingredients:

4-ounces cream cheese, room temperature2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extractZest of one orange2 tablespoons orange juice2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

Directions:

Combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice with an electric mixer until well combined.Gradually add the confectioners sugar and continuing mixing until the frosting is smooth and reaches the desired consistency.

Creole baked goat cheese and other appetizers

Appetizer Recipes For Mardi GrasIf you are entertaining this holiday season, instead of serving typical appetizers, chips and dips, get creative with unique recipes.

Creole Baked Goat Cheese

Serves 2-4

A flavorful combination of fresh Chevre goat cheese, vine-ripened tomato, sweet onion, fresh garlic and cilantro served in roasted red pepper wedges.

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil2 Tbsp garlic, fresh, minced1/2 cup sweet onion, 1/4-inch diced4 oz fresh chevre goat cheese1 each vine-ripened Roma tomato, seeded and diced 1/4-inch1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped1/4 tsp hot pepper sauceSalt and pepper to tasteRoasted red pepper cups (see recipe below)Garlic crouton rounds (see recipe below) 

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat, then add the garlic and onions and sauté just until the onions become translucent.Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.Transfer the onion-garlic mixture to a mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients.Mix with a rubber spatula to thoroughly blend. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper to taste.Fill roasted red pepper cups with goat cheese mixture and bake in a 350 degrees F preheated oven for 10 minutes.Now, place the garlic crouton rounds in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.Remove from the oven and transfer the pepper cups to the center of a serving platter and arrange the baked croutons in a circle around the pepper cups.Serve with a fresh tomato salsa on the side.

Note: When eating this dish, we recommend cutting the pepper cups into wedges for the full experience of eating the filling with the red pepper.

Roasted Red Pepper Cups

Ingredients:

1 medium sized red bell pepper1 Tbsp olive oil as neededSalt & pepper

Directions:

Cut red pepper in half to form a top and bottom.Remove and discard the seeds and trim the stem to allow the top half pepper cup to stand up.Rub the inside of the pepper cups with olive oil and season them lightly with salt and pepper.Place them in a pie plate, cut side up, and bake them for 5 minutes in a 350 degrees F, preheated oven. During this roasting step you will be just slightly softening the pepper. The final cooking will take place after the pepper cups are stuffed.Allow the cups to cool upside down to allow the excess juice to drain out prior to filling with the goat cheese mixture.

Garlic Crouton Rounds

Ingredients:

1/2 loaf Cuban bread or French baguette, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices4 Tbsp butter, softened to room temperature1 clove fresh garlic, minced1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

Cut the bread crosswise into 16 (1/4-inch thick) slices. Set aside.In a small mixing bowl, blend the garlic, chopped parsley and softened butter until thoroughly mix.Spread the top and bottom of each slice of bread with about 1/2 tsp of garlic butter on each side.Place the buttered croutons on a cookie sheet.Bake for 5 minutes in a 350 degrees F, preheated oven at time of service.

More Mardi Gras ideas

Mardi Gras menu and mouthwatering recipes
Tips to throw a Mardi Gras party
The King of King Cakes